struggling with menopause and depression

[mommyloves11]

Please help me...I have been yo-yoing with Raw since last October after I did a 21 day lemonade cleanse. I have read Allisa's book from cover to cover (along with several other Raw books) and am convinced of the wisdom of it all. I am 44 and have experienced menopause naturally 2 years ago, no more cycles at all. With every passing month some new "symptom" pops up, I assume because of hormone imbalance. The latest is depression, and it has hit hard. I an trying this week to get back on track with my eating raw in desperate hope that it will heal my depression. Has anyone experienced help or healing in this area? And also, since I have consistently heard going raw "turns back the clock", is it possible I will get my periods back? I would love another baby.
Thank you and God bless!

[spicyfull]

I sort of remember Lewisburg. Do you know where Tullahoma is? I can't help you with depression and getting your cycle back. But I think RAW can do wonders with EVERYTHING........

I wish you everything you need to Stay RAW......Welcome to MY World.....

[sport]

I had been going through menopause for about 2 years when I went raw and after only 3 weeks all symptoms dissapeared completely.
They returned in a more moderate form after a while but I have discovered that this was due to using the product Herbemare. When I removed this from my diet the symptoms cleared again.
I did not suffer from depression but from flushes and disturbed sleep.
I guess that all symptoms are caused by hormone imballance and feel that if you try 100% raw for the 30 day challange you will heal.

[DeadNutrition]

I am not female but have you tried getting sunshine? Vitamin D is supposed to cure depression I think.

[Revvell]

100% raw stops the flushes for me! My attitude is better as well.

Revvell

[ljcoolj]

Rawnore posted some interesting info in this thread...

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20230

It has more to do with the menstrual cycle itself but you might find it interesting. I'm 37 and I'm not dealing with menopause yet, but I had been on the depo provera shot for a long time. Haven't had a shot in a year now but have been dealing with mood swings while my body is trying to readjust. Since heading back to raw, everything is better. Hope this helps!

[Conscious Midwife]

If you are into herbs then St. John's Wart is an option as well as being sure to consume plenty of bananas and avaocado to keep blood sugar regulated .

[Faithfullyfit]

I am in my 40's and suffering with early peri-menopause! I have been on BIO-Identical Progesterone for a couple of years......did not seem to help much until I was 100% raw- then evrything leveled out- I truly want to stop the progesterone....just want to make sure- I am ready for some imbalance's. This forum is so supportive and loving ;) Seek advice and support an you will truly have a world of people ready to help you...... Hang in there!

[ferg]

I am in my mid-40s, been raw for 6 months now. I had horrible PMS and perimenopause symptoms before going raw. I still had symptoms while
raw until I discovered MACA powder. I've been taking it a couple of months now and must say it has made the world of difference (it is a hormone balancer and is raw). It took over a month to really kick in but man what a difference it has made. This is the first month in I can't remember how long; years that I have been in control of my moods. Simply amazing stuff. I read testimonials on this forum and other forums too. You might want to try it. It has been a miracle for me!

Have a great day everyone!

[Faithfullyfit]

I am in my mid-40s, been raw for 6 months now. I had horrible PMS and perimenopause symptoms before going raw. I still had symptoms while
raw until I discovered MACA powder. I've been taking it a couple of months now and must say it has made the world of difference (it is a hormone balancer and is raw). It took over a month to really kick in but man what a difference it has made. This is the first month in I can't remember how long; years that I have been in control of my moods. Simply amazing stuff. I read testimonials on this forum and other forums too. You might want to try it. It has been a miracle for me!

Have a great day everyone!

Thanks for bringing this up...can you tell me your opinion on the powder to mix ~vs~the capsules.....I just searched and found that my local Vitamin shoppe has both. I think this is certainly something I will begin now and try to eliminate to progesterone- this next cycle to see the effects ;)

[rawpriestess]

Hi, I am 53, and I went through horrible PMS, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, horrible bleeding, etc, forEVER, but mostly in the years from 45 to 51 or so, then when I went 100% raw, something happened, I had two horrible times with cramping, then nothing, no periods, nothing, then just last month, I had a regular period, no PMS, no mood swings, nothing, just a normal period, now, I've had those on/off/scanty/spotty types of periods during this time, but this was different, don't ask my how exactly, it was just different, I think I'm having normal periods for the first time in my life, I could be wrong, BUT, that's what happened, so...................


I would say that IF you eat raw, and you wish for another child, and it is in your best interest and the childs to bring them into the world, then the Universe/God/dess will give you that wish/desire/want,
I mean why not go for it?

it's fun trying for one anyway.

eat raw, laugh lots, and have fun-- life is supposed to be enjoyed!!

[solarliving]

A study conducted by UCLA'sDepartment of Psychiatry has
revealed that the kind of face a woman finds attractive on a man can differ
depending on where she is in her menstrual cycle.

For example: If she is ovulating, she is attracted to men with rugged masculine features; if she is menstruating or menopausal, she tends to be more attracted to a man with scissors lodged in his temple and duct tape over his mouth while he is on fire.


Sorry you are going through depression. I hope this made you giggle.

[jaurequi]

I also suggest giving maca a try. Gelatinized is more potent, but the regular should be fine. You may need to adjust it for your needs. You may need to take more than first recommended; but start small.

And if your depression is not hormonal or nutritionally linked (consuming E.F.A.'s will work wonders. A DHA supplement may also be necessary. NuTru's OmegaZen3 is a great vegan DHA), then I would keep counseling by professionals as an open option.

Best,

[Faithfullyfit]

Hi, I am 53, and I went through horrible PMS, mood swings, suicidal thoughts, horrible bleeding, etc, forEVER, but mostly in the years from 45 to 51 or so, then when I went 100% raw, something happened, I had two horrible times with cramping, then nothing, no periods, nothing, then just last month, I had a regular period, no PMS, no mood swings, nothing, just a normal period, now, I've had those on/off/scanty/spotty types of periods during this time, but this was different, don't ask my how exactly, it was just different, I think I'm having normal periods for the first time in my life, I could be wrong, BUT, that's what happened, so...................


I would say that IF you eat raw, and you wish for another child, and it is in your best interest and the childs to bring them into the world, then the Universe/God/dess will give you that wish/desire/want,

it's fun trying for one anyway.

eat raw, laugh lots, and have fun-- life is supposed to be enjoyed!!



I agree with RP about nature having it's own course to follow-! I do think the raw helped me tremendously with skin changes, moodiness, cramping and fatigue....the only concerning issue that currently remains with me is.....unusually heavy cycle....cannot leave the house during this 36-48 hour cycle.......anemia sets in due to iron and blood loss....similar to a hemmorage- then my ever so helpful.....doctor says there is a "procedure" to cauterize the uterine lining..... :eek: So, I think I am thinking that the maca may be better alternative to Progesterone and surgery!

I would also think you should seek counseling about the depression- take good care of your self!!!!!!

[ljcoolj]

I agree with RP about nature having it's own course to follow-! I do think the raw helped me tremendously with skin changes, moodiness, cramping and fatigue....the only concerning issue that currently remains with me is.....unusually heavy cycle....cannot leave the house during this 36-48 hour cycle.......anemia sets in due to iron and blood loss....similar to a hemmorage- then my ever so helpful.....doctor says there is a "procedure" to cauterize the uterine lining..... :eek: So, I think I am thinking that the maca may be better alternative to Progesterone and surgery!

I would also think you should seek counseling about the depression- take good care of your self!!!!!!

Faithfully, my sister had her uterus cauterized about 6 years ago due to anemia/low iron. Docs all said it was due to her heavy periods. She had the procedure done and no longer has heavy periods..but guess what?..she still has low iron. Did you read Rawnora's post in the link I posted above? I thought it was pretty interesting stuff. Let me know what you think.

[D'vorah]

I also went through a depression. It lasted several weeks to a few months. Mine, I don't think, was hormonal, but rather, due to the loss of my menses. I never felt them a monthly curse. To me, they were a monthly cleansing, a reminder of G-d's work in my life, a symbol of something so grand and so much bigger than just me.

When mine stopped, I felt less a woman. And I grieved. I had no need or desire to have another baby, but the removal of the possibility hit me so very hard. We are women, we are created to bring forth life. But, I've found, there are many other avenues through which to birth life, to be pregnant with purpose, as we walk through our days and interact with the world.

I hope that you are able to find the source of your depression and find relief.

Deborah